The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Thursday the recall of approximately 207,800 pairs of battery-powered heated socks sold at Costco after more than a dozen consumers reported burn injuries.
The recalled products are the 32 Degrees-branded heated socks, which come with a rechargeable battery pack. According to the CPSC, at least 14 heat-related incidents have been reported, with 13 involving first- or second-degree burns. The socks were manufactured in China and retailed for between $30 and $46.
The recall covers three sizes: medium, large, and extra large. The socks were sold on Costco's website and in stores between August 2025 and March 2026. Consumers who purchased the socks are advised to stop using them immediately and return them to Costco for a full refund.
The CPSC noted that the socks can pose heightened risks during high-intensity activities where a combination of heat, friction, moisture and pressure may occur.
What the Right Is Saying
Free-market advocates and some conservative commentators have argued that recalls, while sometimes necessary, represent a cost of doing business that can be particularly burdensome for retailers. Some Republicans have questioned whether the CPSC's regulatory framework sometimes creates unnecessary compliance costs that ultimately get passed on to consumers.
Others have noted that incidents like this highlight the importance of personal responsibility in product use, arguing that consumers should carefully read instructions and understand the limitations of battery-powered products, especially during physical activities where heat buildup could occur.
What the Left Is Saying
Consumer advocacy groups have long called for stricter oversight of imported consumer products, particularly those with electrical components. Progressive lawmakers have repeatedly emphasized the need for robust testing protocols for products manufactured in countries with different safety standards, arguing that American consumers deserve the same protection regardless of where a product is made.
Democrats have also pointed to incidents like this as evidence supporting proposals for more comprehensive pre-market testing requirements and increased funding for the CPSC to conduct more thorough inspections of imported goods before they reach store shelves.
What the Numbers Show
The recall affects approximately 207,800 pairs of heated socks sold at Costco. The CPSC documented 14 heat-related incidents, with 13 resulting in burns. The products were sold at price points between $30 and $46 across three sizes over an eight-month period from August 2025 through March 2026. The socks were manufactured in China.
The Bottom Line
This recall represents one of the larger consumer product safety actions in recent months involving a major retailer. Costco is offering full refunds to all purchasers who return the socks. Consumers who own these products should discontinue use immediately and contact Costco for a refund. The incident may renew discussions in Congress about the adequacy of current testing protocols for imported consumer electronics, particularly items that generate heat.